Area residents have long shown their generosity and the support for the family of Dalton Igoe is the latest example.
Dalton, a 15-year-old Altoona Area Junior High School student, is recovering nicely from a heart transplant received last weekend at Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh. Dalton was born with a congenital heart defect that keeps his body from absorbing protein and prevents his growth.
According to the Igoe family, medical expenses are expected to approach $1 million, 80 percent of which will be covered by insurance.
The remaining $200,000 is being raised within the community, half of which has been generated thus far.
Pleasant Valley Elementary School students raised $10,000 though T-shirt sales, and Carol Mahon Confer, Dalton's aunt, organized a fundraiser, Rock Dalton's Beat, which drew an estimated 1,200 people on Saturday night to the Railroaders Memorial Museum.
Investment Savings Bank is assisting the family with fundraising efforts. Checks can be made out to "ISB for Dalton Igoe" and mailed to Investment Savings Bank, 1201 Eighth Ave., Altoona, PA 16602.
We wish Dalton's family, including parents, Scott and Dawn Igoe, the best through this trying ordeal and offer a thumbs-up to our community for its support.
Others worthy of thumbs-up, thumbs-down mention:
Thumbs-up to pianist Anthony Michael Cornet, a 2008 graduate of Altoona Area High School. Cornet performed at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Sunday after winning first prize in the Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition.
Thumbs-down on the fact that the prominent clock located for many years in the middle of the Diamond in Hollidaysburg - our county seat - has not worked for more than a year. It should be fixed or removed.
Thumbs-up to Mount Aloysius President Tom Foley, who has been named the Blair-Bedford Central Labor Council's person of the year. The council will also present its 2012 Humanitarian Award to Dr. Zane Gates of Altoona and its Labor Award to Ernie Esposito. Foley has created a strong community presence in just two years as president of the Mount while Gates has been frequently recognized for his commitment to low-income families. Esposito has long represented United Steelworkers of America local unions.
Thumbs-up to Joana Li and Caleb R. Gildea, both of Hollidaysburg Area High School, for winning $500 scholarships through the Mirror's first 20 under 20 program recognizing the future leaders of central Pennsylvania.
Thumbs-up to Steve Franco and Olivia Stever, both of Tyrone Area High School, for being named the Mirror's 2012 Athletes of the Year.
